MUMPS IGG (IMMUNE STATUS)

This is an enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay for the detection of IgG antibodies to mumps virus. Results are reported as positive or negative for the presence of antibody.

Interpretation

Mumps, a paramyxovirus, causes a communicable, usually self-limiting disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The incubation period averages from 16 to 18 days. Although 30 to 40% of mumps cases are asymptomatic, 60 to 70% of patients can have painful enlargement of salivary glands, and testicular pain (males) or lower abdominal pain (females). Mumps is primarily a disease of childhood. Widespread use of an attenuated live mumps vaccine (as part of the MMR vaccine) has dramatically reduced the number of mumps cases, though occasional isolated outbreaks persist. A positive result with this assay indicates the presence of anti-mumps IgG antibodies, and therefore prior exposure to the virus.